Stairways
The employer must ensure the following:
Stairway with stair rail system.
- Each employee exposed to an unprotected side or edge of a stairway landing that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected by a guardrail or stair rail system;
- Each ship stairs and alternating tread type stairs is equipped with handrails on both sides; and
- Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers is equipped with stair rail systems and handrails according to the table below:
| Stair Width | Enclosed | One Open Side | Two Open Sides | With Earth Built Up on Both Sides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 44 inches (1.1 m) | At least one handrail | One stair rail system with handrail on open side | One stair rail system each open side | |
| 44 inches (1.1 m) to 88 inches (2.2 m) | One handrail on each enclosed side | One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side | One stair rail system with handrail on each open side | |
| Greater than 88 inches (2.2 m). | One handrail on each enclosed side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair | One stair rail system with handrail on open side, one handrail on enclosed side, and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair | One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair | |
| Exterior stairs less than 44 inches (1.1 m). | One handrail on least one side |
Note to table: The width of the stair must be clear of all obstructions except handrails
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-8. Each employee exposed to an unprotected side or edge of a stairway landing that _____ must be protected by a guardrail or stair rail system.
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